The primary extinguishing agent Fire-Main is used for which class of fire?

• A. Class A
• B. Class B
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (A)

Fire-main is a shipboard water-delivery system that provides large volumes of water to fight fires. It’s most effective on fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles because the cooling effect of water removes heat from the fuel, lowering its temperature below ignition and stopping the flame from spreading. Water cools and blankets the fuel, which is why it’s the go-to extinguishing method for these materials. It isn’t ideal for flammable liquids, electrical fires, or metal fires, where water can spread the liquid, conduct electricity, or be ineffective or unsafe, respectively.